This is not really a new topic as the same discussions happened when Tiger first made a splash on the pro tour. He averaged more than 320 yards per pop in 2003 (321.4), the first player on this list to break the barrier. Still, the quest for more distance is going to remain a goal for many of us. Do better golfers with a low handicap simply drive the ball further than other golfers? DeChambeau leads all PGA golfers with an insane 321 yard average off the tee. As you can see in this article, there are a wide variety of factors that can impact your search of the golf driving average most applicable to you. Supporting data comes from seven tours, including PGA TOUR data beginning in 1968. The Distance Insights project, a joint initiative of the USGA and The R&A, will examine distance through a multi-pronged approach that includes global stakeholder engagement, third-party data review and primary research. Robert Garrigus at the 2012 Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Hank Kuehne tees off on the 10th hole during the second round of the 2004 Players Championship. It uses, The reason that golfers care so much about driver distance is simple; we want to hit it farther. Learn more about how Statista can support your business. A proven way to gain an increased driver distance is by making an investment in one of the best driver shafts for distance such as our #1 pick theAccuflex Assassin II World Champion Long Drive Golf Shaft. As soon as this statistic is updated, you will immediately be notified via e-mail. He had an average driving distance of 321.4 yards, just ahead of Rory Mcllroy in second place with an average driving distance of 320.4 yards. Consequently, we have decided to delay this announcement until a more appropriate time. Join more than 30,000 golfers and receive email updates when new articles post. /* ----------------------------------------- */ How is that possible. Try swinging the ball slower, about 85-95% of your intensity to ensure youre hitting the center of the clubface. Joe Morelli is the founder of TopRankGolf, a passionate golfer with decades of experience playing this amazing sport. In light of this data and feedback, we are extending the comment period that was initially scheduled to close on 4 March 2021,for an additional seven weeks until 22 April 2021. For instance, the LPGA's average driving distance leader for 2021 heading into the ANA Inspiration was Bianca Pagdanganan at 285 yards, still farther than many fans would expect. He did it four more times, including his final season as the top driver in 2002, when his season-long driving average was 306.8. Driving the ball into a favorable position off the tee leaves you with a clear approach shot into the green. Training your body to swing faster is a nearly guaranteed path to more distance and has the additional benefits of improved fitness for your life off of the course. While the progress has cooled off some since the mid-2000s, the average driving distance has increased every year since 2013. A study found that the top ten furthest drivers gained an average of 1.1 strokes per round on the field and the top ten straightest drivers gained an average of 0.7 strokes per round on the field. Dan Pohl at the 1992 L.A. Open at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. The Korn Ferry trademark is also a registered trademark, and is used in the Korn Ferry Tour logo with permission The average golf driving distance by age can tend to change depending on the age of a golfer. While a mid-handicapper will have have a club head speed of only around 93 MPH ( Swing Man Golf). 3 Baths. You can find him on Twitter here - @practicalgolf, where he is happy to chat about golf with anyone. Want to see some of the longest PGA Tour drivers? 2021 Annual Driving Distance Report. Following the Zurich Classic of New Orleans 2021, the average driving distance on the tour is 295.6 yards. Driving distance is getting a lot of buzz these days. This is an advantage of almost half a stroke per round for the longest drivers compared to the most accurate drivers! Go back to 1997, where John Daly was the first to surpass the average distance of 300 yards. The PGA tracks the driving distance of every player on every drive and compiles all this data to release year-to-date statistics following each tournament. Tony Romo? These drives are measured on two holes per round. The best way to get started with this is out on the driving range or at home using one of the best home golf simulators. But you also have to add in the slight mishits, the rainy days, and the balls that land in the rough. However, the R&A data syncs up well with what we can gather from golf technology providers like Arccos and Shot Scope. Fortunately a new driver shaft doesnt need to break the bank and is a great idea for amateur golfers of all abilities looking to increase driver distance. Dustin Johnson made his lone appearance atop this list in 2015 when he averaged 317.7 yards. The moral of that story? As the club speed increases, these launch and spin numbers decrease. Youd be right to be amazed as the players drive the ball significantly further than your average golfer due to a variety of factors. Learn More. It is no wonder that so many of the leading golfers in the world are also the longest drivers of the golf ball. By the way that stat has been increasing over the past five years, don't be surprised to see the Tour's average break the 300 mark by 2024. This is where launch monitors help. Have a comment or perspective on the topic of distance in golf? NHTSA leads the national effort to save lives by preventing this dangerous behavior. Accuracy is crucial when it comes to scoring. USGA.ORG | The official home of the United States Golf Association PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, and the Swinging Golfer design are registered trademarks. The USGA and The R&A have released the 2020 Annual Driving Distance Report, containing driving-distance data from seven mens and womens professional golf tours around the world. While, Getting your data on a professional level system like GC Quad or TrackMan can be done with clubfitters or teaching professionals. RELATED: 15 longest drives on the PGA Tour since 2010. In a look at driving-distance statistics since 1980, when the Tour began tracking the data, the average driving distance of the shortest hitter has increased by as much as 41 yards in. It certainly appears so. We can definitively say that pros across all tours are hitting it further these days than they did 30 years ago. The USGA and The R&A have released the 2019 Annual Driving Distance Report, containing driving-distance data from seven mens and womens professional golf tours around the world. Its important that you also dont feel yourself tense up your muscles, its normal to tighten your grip when under pressure before a big swing but you want to keep your grip looser than you think. (Photo: A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images). He won the Sanderson Farms Championship early in the 2018-19 season. Regardless of what people may tell you, a 200-yard drive for an amateur is a decent distance because most par 4 holes come in at around 350 yards in total distance. He did not find the winners circle either season he was the long-drive leader. In case you were wondering, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson ever led the Tour in driving distance. Keeping all four of those areas flexible is of vital importance. Be Gone Sweat Stains! Can a Pre-Shot Routine Lower Your Scores? Do some research to find a good weight training program that works well for golfers. Accessed March 04, 2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/810984/golf-pga-tour-driving-distance/, PGA. Are you interested in testing our business solutions? Next, hit a few balls at the range and study where you are making contact. If you look at the distribution of driving distances amongst their users, youll see that only 29% can hit it more than 250 yards. The R&A and USGA have received a great deal of helpful feedback while at the same time gathering additional data on club length measurement, and important insight regarding what length clubs are being used at various levels of the game. /* Content Template: Single Post - end */ Back in the good ole days of golf, it was considered taboo to lift weights or be dedicated to fitness. Distracted Driving 3,142 Number of people killed by distracted driving in 2020 Source U Drive. Now in 2021, Bryson DeChambeau's average of 320.8 is more. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS PERFORM is strictly prohibited. How to NEVER MISS another short putt with Manolo Vega! If you are a golfer under 30 years of age then it is most probable that you will hit the ball farthest at about 238 yards. In 1994, he finished solo second in the United Airlines Hawaiian Open. As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic. (Photo: Mike Powell/Allsport). . Tom Purtzer was the first driving-distance leader on the PGA Tour in the 1990s (279.6). .author-box { Secondly, we would say that there is an advantage to having the best golf driver for you in your bag when you looking to add extra distance with a driver. .custom-author-box .essb_links { These factors can range from it being the golf driving average for men or for women. Meanwhile, their research found that a golfer over the age of 60 will drive the golf ball on average 196.40 yards. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. What Is The Average Driver Distance In Golf? So much of golf is counterintuitive (like swing down to make the ball go up). This may be having a great driver for carry such as theCallaway Epic Flash Driver in your bag but it doesnt necessarily mean that you need the most expensive driver, especially as a beginner. The problem many regular golfers have is they connect swinging faster with swinging harder. Trying to swing harder tends to result in tense muscles and poor mechanics, which cause awful shots and lead to injuries. Here is their driving distance by handicap level since 1996: This data comes from an R&A survey of club golfers. Continue with Recommended Cookies. It is really kind of cool to think that the average 20-year old can only outdrive the average 70-year old by about 50 yards or so. @media only screen and (max-width: 1400px) { Davis Love III led the Tour in driving distance twice: 1986 (285.7) and 1994 (283.8). Additionally, it is great to use the average driving distance as a benchmark for your abilities but also to always remember that it is possible to drive the golf ball further as is seen by golfers of a low handicap and those golfers on the PGA tour and LPGA tour. Simultaneously, ICE drivers have been driving shorter distances than years prior, with a decreased journey average of -1.6% when compared to 2021. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. (Photo: Getty Images). For reference, this is what the PGA Tour says about its method for recording this stat: "The average number of yards per measured drive. Get the facts, get involved, and help us keep America's roads safe. The PGA Tour has been keeping average driving distance stats since 1980. For example if you have a lower swing speed then the loft for your driver will be different than if you have a fast swing speed. However, this number is distinctly further than high handicappers (21+) as they clock in at around 175 yards. There are things that you can do toincrease your club head speedto boost your average. } Swinging faster can be accomplished with. 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While buying the latest new driver is an option (make sure you get fit for it), you can likely add just as much distance, if not more, by applying a few concepts to improve your ball striking. It will gradually increase the weight of the club you are capable of swinging, giving you more distance and increased potential on the course. Marion, Massachusetts, United States. The quick answer is yes a longer driver shaft can add speed and distance to your drives. A great way to get started is to check out our golf driver reviews so that you can decide which picks that are on the market suit your needs best. guide to increasing your driving distance, 4 Concepts You Need To Know About Golf Equipment. In 2012, he won the first of his two Masters titles. Understanding your driver distance requires having the data to complete the picture. statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account. His season ended with 11 consecutive missed cuts. 2 Beds. This benefit can be seen in terms of overall prize money when it comes to professional golf. Profit from the additional features of your individual account. display:none; Bill Glasson at the 1994 Phoenix Open. Rory McIlroy had an average driving distance of 321.3 yards in 2021-22. It is predicted that soon the average drive will be over 300 yards by a PGA Tour player. Interestingly, there is not much difference in driving distance in the 20s and 30s age group. According to the USGA, the average driving distance for all golfers is 215 yards. Shot Scope has been tracking millions of real golf shots around the world over the last several years. Increasing your muscular strength will definitely increase your driving distance. The data proves, though, that most recreational golfers arent hitting it any further than they ever had. Check out this review for more details. After all, nothing comes with more bragging rights on the golf course than driving the ball further than all your playing partners. By following the four steps for maximizing driver distance in golf you will be crushing your drives down the fairway in no time! The simple answer to hitting it farther is swinging faster, increasing your attack angle, and improving strike. } By having a focus on hitting the ball in the sweet spot you can be sure that you are hitting clean shots that have the optimum opportunity to travel far. As with many aspects of golf it all comes back to the swing. To get more in-depth than the averages above, we must understand that everyones golf game is different. Rory McIlroy drives off the 10th tee during the third round of The Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links in Carnoustie, Scotland. If youre looking for ways to keep an official handicap index, check out this guide. Also, several personal launch monitors are on the market today, which can provide the essential numbers for adding distance, like swing speed, ball speed, and launch angle. I have seen many golfers hit their driver 20-30 yards further by simply loosening up their hands and not choking the club to death.How many times have you seen a guy really muscle up and try to kill the ball? A paid subscription is required for full access. A Trackman Study found that the difference between a drive from a negative attack angle to a positive attack angle can cause anywhere from a 5% to 10% difference in total yardage. Cameron Champ is the most recent distance leader with an average of 317.9 yards per drive. In fact, you should be stretching extensively before practicing on the range or playing a round. Get full access to all features within our Business Solutions. This is because according to theUSGA Index report, amateur female golfers drive the ball on average 148 yards. The USGA promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. OGIO launches All Elements Silencer Cart Bags, PXG Apparel Spring 2023 Collection - FIRST LOOK, PowaKaddy pushing boundaries with 2023 trolley lineup, PING ChipR Review: the secret to improving your short game woes, FootJoy Pro SL 2022 Golf Shoes Review: The ultimate spikeless model. 2,231 Sq. Manage Settings Then you can access your favorite statistics via the star in the header. Swinging faster can be accomplished with golf-specific fitness plans to increase strength and flexibility. You want to make sure you hit up on the driver, you can do this by making sure the golf ball is teed up higher. Watch out for these ole timers. to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time. Lawrence Hunt Review, GolfBuddy LR5 Rangefinder Review: Fast, Reliable, and Affordable. (Photo: Allan Henry/USA TODAY Sports). Does driving distance decrease with age? Per the Equipment Rulemaking Procedures, the time for golf equipment manufacturers and other interested parties to participate in this research will also be amended to account for the delay. As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic. His 318.9-yard average was almost two yards farther than Tiger Woods average that year. Its not surprising that driving distance drops off with older age. PGA. By learning how to improve driver distance as a golfer you can see many benefits around the course which ill cover throughout this guide. His best finish in his rookie season of 1983 was a T-22 in the USF&G Classic. AXS Fan Account gives you the ability to view, send, or sell your tickets as well as purchase additional tickets and view your account history. This simple drill will give you the correct feedback on where you are really hitting the golf ball with your driver. DeChambeau won twice during the Tours 2020-21 super season, at the September U.S. Open and then in April at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. DeChambeau leads all PGA golfers with an insane 321 yard average off the tee. For 13 years from 1994 until 2006 the average increased every year, which is the longest such string since 1980. Training your body to swing faster is a nearly guaranteed path to more distance and has the additional benefits of improved fitness for your life off of the course. Driving Distance By Age Another interesting category is driving distance by age. Get a can of Dr. Scholls Odor X and spray the face of your driver. The obsession with driving distance can be traced back to as long as when golf was first invented. How many times do we see people with the latest equipment struggle with their game. I compiled data from USGAs 2020 distance insights report and a study from Shot Scope. John McComish led the PGA Tour in driving twice: 1983 (277.4) and 1987 (283.9). Search for fun things to do in your area led by PGA Professionals. Given continued health concerns and the impact on golf worldwide, the USGA and The R&A are now targeting March 2021 for the release of equipment research topics. Glasson made only six cuts in 19 events that season. According to research undertaken byGame Golfof their users, a golfer will reduce their average driving distance by age around 10 yards for every 10 years that they get older. Overview Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,142 lives in 2020. Notice to Manufacturers: March 30, 2021 . Ed Humenik led the Tour in driving distance in 1989 (280.9). About The Author Surprisingly, Bryson is only a few yards longer on average than Wyndham Clark (319) and Cameron Champ (318). Hend posted a T-6 finish at the Bank of America Colonial but missed 19 cuts in the 28 events he entered. Youll generally hit it the farthest with the driver by striking the center of the clubface or even just above. When researching stretches, be sure to focus on your hamstrings, glutes, shoulders, and lower back. Hank Kuehne won back-to-back driving-distance titles. In 2006, Watson had a T-3 in the Chrysler Classic of Tucson, his best event of the season. The latest news & stories from PGA Member Events. Advantage: Driving Distance, Ball-Striking, SG: Around the Green, 3 Putt Avoidance, Par 5 Scoring Hole 7: Par 3, 199 Yards Approach: The par-threes aren't easy or short, but this is the easiest of . 68 PGA Tour pros regularly drive the ball 300 yards or longer! Steve Thomas led the Tour in driving distance in 1988 (284.6). August 24, 2022. float:left; Watson is the only golfer to lead the Tour in driving distance and win more than one event in the same season. The average number of yards per measured drive. overflow:hidden; What can we learn from Jordan Spieth's new pre-shot routine on the PGA Tour? Apr 2021 - Present2 years. Thats much easier said than done, but a few general tips previously covered in Practical Golf can help accomplish them. For example in the 2017 PGA Tour season, the 43 golfers who averaged at least 300 yards made an average of $2,546,061 in prize money for the season compared to the 147 other golfers who averaged under 300 yards who had an average prize money of $1,362,608 (Golfweek). The best way to find out where you are hitting the ball with your driver is to do a little test. can help you improve your impact location. can definitely add speed to your swing and yards to your drives. As seen in the Trackman data, an upward angle of attack produces the most distance at amateur-level swing speeds. We'll also send you a free copy of our bestselling eBook on course strategy, Copyright 2023 Practical Golf | Powered by: WP Engine | Built on: The Genesis FrameworkAdvertise With Us | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Design by 3200.PRO, /* ----------------------------------------- */ The average driver distance is so important for many people because it can act as a sign of where their golf game is. Here's an interesting fact: While PGA Tour pros hit their drives anywhere from 280 yards to 320 yards on average, and LPGA Tour pros hit their drives from 230 to 270 yards on average, most recreational golfers, according to Golf Digest, average somewhere around 195-205 yards with their drivers.